Proverbs 6:11 Meaning and Explanation
“So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The sluggard's endless delay inevitably brings poverty upon him with force and inevitability.
The Context of Proverbs 6:11
The inevitable consequence of sluggardly laziness is poverty that strikes with force.
What Does Proverbs 6:11 Mean?
Poverty comes as a traveler—approaching steadily and inevitably. It also comes as an armed man, suggesting both strength and the inability to resist. This vivid imagery shows poverty as an unstoppable force, not a temporary setback. The sluggard cannot run from or hide from its approach.
The contrast with the ant is complete: while the ant worked in summer and had provision in harvest, the sluggard slept and invited poverty into his home. His poverty is not a random misfortune but the natural consequence of refusing to work. It arrives with the certainty of daybreak.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 6:11
What does Proverbs 6:11 mean?
The sluggard's endless delay inevitably brings poverty upon him with force and inevitability.
What is the context of Proverbs 6:11?
The inevitable consequence of sluggardly laziness is poverty that strikes with force.